It is the dawn of another day. I am awake, reading, catching up on, and preparing myself for the day of looking for employment in a big city. The only problem is that the older you get, the harder it gets especially if you are an older woman with a degree.
I noticed this picture being posted on Facebook about a soldier who sustained injuries in the War on Terror only receiving his 50% disability pay. Like so many pictures I researched this young man and the information behind the picture.
Who are you and what is your story?
The caption underneath was by Derek Batchelor and the story line was by Tim Shuler. Derek Batchelor is a concerned citizen from Greenville, SC. Tim Shuler is? According to my research, guess what I found out.
According to Amie Gnatt Spengler (a Facebook patron of the Great State of Texas!) this is Marine Lance Cpl William Kyle Carpenter. His picture was used by a Tim Shuler to further Mr. Shuler’s political agenda without permission. Well what am I doing? I am using it without his permission also. The real story behind this gentleman’s photograph should be the story as published by Jeff Wilkinson in the Post and Courier out of Charleston, SC., on March 10th 2011, Senate Gives Thanks to Wounded War Hero. It discusses how he was basically put back together to be able to live in our society once again and the thanks he is being bestow with by our Congress.
I have to question, with my past experiences in life with the Veterans Administration, was it enough? Not hardly. Will it ever be enough? No!
I am requesting that when you see a soldier (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Reservist) thank them. Shake their hand and thank them for the great service they do our country. It is really easy to do.
Marine Lance Cpl William Kyle Carpenter THANK YOU so much for the service you have performed for our country.
Thank you to Amie Gnatt Spengler (a stranger to me who believes in the truth) for bringing the truth forward about the picture and for providing the correct site information for all of us to be more informed.
(** Thumbs down on you Mr. Derek Batchelor and Tim Shuler, especially you Mr. Shuler -- for funneling the wrong information and possibly committing plagiarism 101.**) (To the photographer of Cpl W K Carpenter --thank you.)
Not only did Ms. Spengler set me straight, she reminded me of my own "convictions" and "pet peeves." When I write to be a honest as possible, but remember about history. Historians have often embellished over the years (added to and taken away from) to the point what is the truth about something in our history.
The truth is tell a lie long enough and it becomes truth.
This story is a classic example of published material actually being incorrect.
An informed person should take the time to research if what they have just read is in fact true.
**A Special Note off the subject matter: A political election is coming up. Take the time not to believe in all the written political information flying around -- being pushed on society. Research each candidate on your own to find out what is true and if he will be the most suited one for that position. After all are we not hiring that candidate when we vote him into office?
Thank you for this. I've seen this picture all over Facebook but I knew the story couldn't fit the picture. Glad to hear it was a photo taken out of honor rather than anger.
ReplyDeleteHave address to these 2 clowns ? I know a few bikers that might want to talk to them .
ReplyDeleteI like bikers! They have a purpose! To full fill an ultimate dream of mine...at 60 I would like to ride on a Harley with all leather and a pair of boots. I may even get a tattoo! :-)
DeleteThis person (Shuler) is also a war veteran that was just trying to defend a soldiers rights to full benefits. (in comparison to retirement benefits of politicians) Although he should have done a bit more research, he was supportive to the fullest of the military and not fulling his political agenda! Perhaps contacting him on his intention would have been advisable as would his doing more research and gaining rights to post the picture. He has the deepest respect for this young Marine, trust me.
DeleteI understand having a deep respect in doing what he was doing. But many find it offensive to publish information pertaining to a negative situation while using a picture that was totally positive. I am one of those people. I support our military 100%. In 1993 I was up in arms on the treatment of our veterans. The VA in Jackson Mississippi was terrible. I had noted a blind man given a pork chop on bone with a full apple to eat sitting on his tray was a used hypodermic needle and syringe and several bloody bandages. Is that a safe medical practice? Not hardly.
ReplyDeleteI am Derek Batchelor, who reposted the above mentioned article and picture. Yes, I did it without knowing all the facts. I later recanted the whole article on my FB page. I am a retired USAF Master Sergeant , and I would never negligently slander another military member. I only ask that you would remove this from your blog, now that you know all the facts in my defense.
ReplyDeleteThank you and God Bless